Reading Friends Volunteer for Stockton Borough Libraries. As a Reading Befriender, you'll be helping to tackle loneliness in your local community by using books and reading to share stories and start conversations over the telephone.
Reading Friends is all about reading, whether that’s books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else, chatting together and having fun. You don’t have to be an expert in literature to take part. All that’s needed is a love of reading and a desire to help people feel more connected in their community.
As a Reading Befriender, you'll be helping to tackle loneliness in your local community by using books and reading to share stories and start conversations over the telephone.
Reading Friends is a national programme developed by the Reading Agency and administered in Stockton by Stockton Borough Libraries
Role
- To make a weekly phone call to an individual who has registered to use the service.
- To carry out a 30-60 minute phone conversation with a focus on reading but not exclusive to reading.
- To provide a listening ear and friendly voice to people who may be feeling lonely.
- To provide a non-judgemental, open minded environment for the individual to share their thoughts.
- To raise any concerns to the Reading Friends co-ordinator should any additional needs or services be identified.
Similar Opportunities
Community Volunteers help RNID to raise awareness of and share information about hearing loss and tinnitus and and the support available in their community.
RNID Near You volunteer, Middlesbrough Help us offer a free, in-person drop-in service for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, or want to get their hearing checked. 2 Hours per month minimum commitment
Community Events & Fundraising volunteer - Interested in fundraising and raising awareness? Looking to attend local events to promote our great cause? Do you have ideas for fundraising activities?

